What percentage of a church budget should go to staff? A practical guide to church staffing ratios, FTEs, and sustainable church leadership.

When is the right time to hire an Executive Pastor? The answer has less to do with size and more to do with leadership strain and capacity.

Feeling stretched or constantly behind? It may not be your leadership; it may be your support structure. Not all support roles solve the same problems. Discover the real differences between Administrative Assistants, Executive Assistants, and Chiefs of Staff.

Believing the best isn’t naive; it’s a leadership choice. A conversation on curiosity, trust, and leading well in real time.

From board governance to succession and meeting discipline, these five leadership lessons are shaping church health heading into 2026

Disconnected systems and scattered spreadsheets are costing your church more than money—they’re clouding your ministry impact. See how Church At The Mill unified their tools to gain clarity, save time, and disciple more effectively.

The truth is, buildings don’t kill movements—comfort does. A permanent space is a blessing, but it’s also a test. The question is whether you’ll let the walls close in around you, or whether you’ll keep leading your people to live like pioneers. If you want your church to stay alive, agile, and risk-taking, you have to fight for it. Because the movement doesn’t stop when you move in… it stops when you stop moving.

Great leaders don’t just build—they pour into others. Here’s how to invest in young leaders and leave a legacy that lasts.

Stop waiting for a promotion. Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about posture. Learn how to step up, add value, and lead with influence no matter your role.

You can’t microwave trust. Explore why steady, consistent leadership earns loyalty and fuels lasting influence. Check out lesson #16 from Tim Steven’s 40 lessons in 40 years of ministry.

What’s it like growing up in a ministry home? Tim Stevens sits down with his four adult kids to talk candidly about life, faith, and family behind the scenes of church leadership on The LeadingSmart Podcast.

Let’s get this straight: Saying no doesn’t make you mean. It makes you wise. Saying yes to everything in ministry leads to burnout and mission drift. Learn why strategic leaders say no—and how a “stop doing” list can refocus your church.

After 35 years of marriage and 40 years in ministry, Tim and Faith Stevens share what’s helped them stay healthy, connected, and on the same team—even through cross-country moves, career changes, and seasons of exhaustion. Tune into season 2: episode 3 of The LeadingSmart Podcast here.

When people leave your church, it can feel deeply personal—especially for pastors who lead with their whole heart. In this blog, I share honest, hard-won wisdom on navigating the pain of ministry departures without losing yourself in the process.

After 40 years in ministry—including 20 at one church—Tim Stevens shares hard-won lessons about longevity, avoiding burnout, and knowing when it’s time to move on. Tune into season 2: episode 2 of The LeadingSmart Podcast here.